On Christmas Eve of 1997, Kristi Duffey began her accounting career with Hellam Varon after answering a newspaper ad for the position. Originally thinking it would be a stepping stone first job after college, Kristi just simply never left! Now, over 20 years later, Kristi specializes in audit and accounting and financial statement preparation for the firm’s business clients, as well as 401k plan audits. “I like easing people’s minds about the audit process,” she comments.
Kristi chose public accounting, following in her sister’s footsteps. “Accounting makes sense to me. It’s something you can figure out. It’s black and white, but there’s also gray, which makes it interesting!” She likes that there is a simplicity to numbers and the math, and she enjoys helping her clients understand there is always an answer.
Originally, from a small town in North Dakota of only 30 people, a café, post office, and a church, Kristi compares the feeling she gets at Hellam Varon to that of her home town.“ The firm has strong-knit people who care about each other, just like at home in Heimdal.” She also appreciates how long many clients have been with the firm, a testimony to the importance the firm places on relationships.
Kristi moved to Seattle without knowing a soul in Washington, but it didn’t take her long to begin making friends with her outgoing manner and ready laugh. She is a huge sports fan and participant and can be found in the evenings or on the weekends playing one of the many sports she loves: volleyball, curling, softball, flag football, basketball, or bowling. Kristi and her husband, Andrew, can also be found rooting on the Mariners, the Sounders, the Seattle Storm, and the Seahawks. And they both enjoy hiking with their dog, Kota, in their spare time.
Fun loving, committed, family-oriented, and hardworking are just a few words we use to describe Kristi. She is the quintessential model of Midwest charm. And we are continually grateful that Kristi chose to move out west and make Hellam Varon her second home!
Education
University of North Dakota, Bachelor of Accountancy, summa cum laude
Certifications
Certified Public Accountant
Professional Associations
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Washington Society of Certified Public Accountants
Community Activities
Master Chorale Eastside member
Stewardship Church council representative
Practice Emphasis
Audits, reviews and compilations for closely held business and 401k retirement plans
